New Jersey Assistant Chief Dies, Stricken at Auto Fire

Veteran firefighter down at fire in Hillsborough

Bill Carey
15 July 2021

HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP, New Jersey – A New Jersey assistant fire chief has died after responding to an auto fire on Wednesday.

The Hillsborough Township Fire Department released a statement Wednesday on Facebook.

Assistant Chief William Shafer has responded with other firefighters to a vehicle fire. Shortly after arriving Assistant Chief Shafer experienced a medical emergency and collapsed.

Shafer was transported to RWJ Somerset Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

It was stated that Shafer had been a firefighter for over 35 years.

Published by Data Not Drama

Data Not Drama is writings that provide a point of critical thought about firefighter fatality data and education, line of duty deaths, and risk. The main focus is to encourage less risk aversion and better knowledge on the subject of firefighter fatalities in firefighters, fire departments, and fire service organizations. View more posts